Comté is a handmade, artisan cheese of the truest type. While modern techniques have been embraced where they can facilitate procedures and increase quality, the production of Comté remains based on traditional methods. Each stage is subject to strict rules that are set down in the AOC specifications to ensure each wheel is just as perfect as the last. First of all, Comté milk is produced on more than 3,000 family farms in the mountainous region of French Comté practicing non-intensive agriculture, i.e. agriculture that, rather than aiming for the highest possible yields, focuses on quality, and takes into account soil characteristics.

The cheese-making process must start within twenty-four hours of the milk being collected, and so Comté is made every day. Local producers bring their milk to the cheese dairy where it is made into Comté. Generally of a cooperative nature, this particular form of village-based organization originated eight centuries ago. An approach that incorporates solidarity and sharing has been preserved, as have the small-scale production techniques and traditions which make Comté a great cheese.

In the silence and shadowy darkness of the cellars Comté undergoes a second transformation, as the wheels age on spruce boards. The new wheels are carefully looked after so as to encourage the natural development of flavors as the months pass by. This Comté is aged for sixth months, were it develops a tight-knit texture and satiny body. On the palate, one can detect notes of fruits, hay, and a slightly nutty, smoky flavor gained during the process when the curd is cooked.

Lovely texture and nice bite. My friends enjoyed it without a cracker.

By Sputerbugfrom Nacogdoches,Txon Dec 02, 2014

Very Tasty

Good flavor that has you wanting to have another bite after bite. Not strong but buttery and has a firm smooth texture that coats your mouth with a creamy paste. This is a good cheese for snacking with crackers and salami with a nice glass of wine .

By colbert456from Wisconsinon Dec 02, 2013

Excellent!

Perfect blend in our fondue.

By Amberfrom Key Largoon Nov 29, 2013

my favorite cheese

really great taste

By Kimberlyfrom ARon Feb 07, 2013

Very mild

A nice subtle taste, not overly done, was very fresh, And worked well in my polenta.

By Hannahfrom Idaho Falls, IDon Jan 21, 2013

Never disappoints

This is always a favorite and always in my order.

By Breezyfrom Culpeper, VAon Jan 19, 2013

Made the Very Best Swiss Fondue!!

Made one of the most luscious, smooth, creamy, nutty-flavored Swiss Fondues I've ever concocted. Would be great as is for snacking as well.

By Shanel693from San Diego, CAon Jan 18, 2013

Great for omelets

I got an areta electrical maker for Christmas. I have discovered, however, that it makes perfect individually sized omelets. I put some of this cheese in with the egg mixture, herbs and spinich and had four pint-sized omelets that my friends were raving about. It is also very good for snacking.

By Janiefrom ARon Dec 30, 2012

In my top 5 favorites

I have tried this cheese as a melting cheese on sandwiches, in a fondue, on a cheese plate, and just alone, as a snack. The creamy, yet very slightly pungent flavor is no doubt one of my favorites of all time. I have several friends at work that are also "cheese heads" and they are all now in love with this cheese. Trust me, that it is hard to find it available, but Igourmet, contacts me, via email, so I can place my order. If you have never tried this, you are missing a real treat.

By Ed from Sanford, NCon Oct 23, 2012

Excellent quality as always

This order of Gruyere de Comte arrived in excellent condition as always. I have been a customer of igourmet.com for 10 years or so and am almost always completely satisfied and if I am not for what ever reason, the staff here at igourmet.com makes it right. The only negative thing I can say is that the cheese comes pre packaged in (2) 8 oz. packages and in the comment section of my order I asked that the cheese be sent as 1 whole piece. not a big deal though.